Galway & The West

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Galway & The West

Dramatic, haunting, and utterly wild, Galway entices with its rich history, bohemian atmosphere, and sublime landscapes. Here, rugged cliffs and craggy countryside meet lively streets with colourful facades, echoing pubs filled with authentic Irish music, a thriving arts scene, and warm-hearted locals. In Galway, tradition, creativity, and hospitality seamlessly intertwine, creating a unique and vibrant destination that leaves a lasting impression on all who experience its wonders.

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With a youthful population and a bohemian spirit, Galway’s charms are best enjoyed by strolling the Old City lanes and wandering the rugged landscapes. Known for its artistic spirit, Galway is oozing with culture, a confluence of the modern and the ancient.

The County

Situated on the rugged west coast of Ireland, County Galway is a charming region renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. As the largest county in the country, Galway presents a wealth of diverse experiences for visitors to indulge in and discover. Nature lovers will be enchanted by the county's striking scenery — from the majestic Connemara region with its rugged mountains, serene lakes, and quaint villages, to the breathtaking coastline along Galway Bay, dotted with sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs. Offshore, the Aran Islands provide a unique glimpse into traditional Irish island life, with their ancient stone forts and rich Gaelic heritage. For the history buffs, there's plenty to discover in Galway, with its medieval castles, ancient ruins, and archaeological sites, such as the iconic Dunguaire Castle and the ancient monastic settlement of Clonfert. The county's past is deeply intertwined with the Gaelic culture, and traces of this heritage can be seen in the Irish-speaking areas and traditional customs that are still preserved today.

Events

Galway is renowned for its vibrant calendar of events throughout the year, offering something for everyone. From cultural festivals to music and sports events, Galway embraces its reputation as a hub of entertainment and celebration.

Do & See

With a young population and a bohemian spirit, Galway's charms are best enjoyed by strolling the Old City lanes and exploring the rugged landscapes that surround it. Known for its artistic spirit, Galway is oozing with culture — from lively traditional music sessions to a calendar brimming with festivals and events, including the world-famous Galway International Arts Festival, the city never fails to captivate and inspire.

Dining

Galway is the perfect place to taste a crop of Ireland's finest traditional food, as well as cosmopolitan cooking. With options for all budgets and occasions, Galway is an up-and-coming city in Ireland's foodie scene.

Cafés

Galway's cosy cafés offer refuge from the unpredictable weather of the Wild Atlantic. Enjoy traditional Irish homemade cakes, baked goods, and midday treats such as warm fluffy brown scones, jam-laden soda bread, Irish fruit cake, and open crab sandwiches. For a taste of authentic Irish cuisine, try the boxty — a savoury potato pancake that has been a staple of Irish cuisine for generations — or the soda farls, a Northern Irish quick bread made with baking soda and buttermilk that is both hearty and delicious.

Bars & Nightlife

Galway is a city that knows how to have a good time, and its eclectic collection of pubs is a true testament to that. From cosy, traditional watering holes to lively, hopping bars, Galway is renowned for its thriving nightlife. As a vibrant university town, it attracts a diverse crowd of young students and travellers looking to experience the city's festive spirit.

Shopping

When it comes to shopping, Galway boasts a mix of high-street stores, boutique shops, markets, and independent retailers, making it an excellent destination for shopping enthusiasts. Its main shopping area is along Shop Street, a pedestrianised street lined with shops, restaurants, and cafés. Here you can find popular high-street stores such as H&M, River Island, and Zara, as well as local boutiques offering unique and handcrafted items. Galway also has a number of markets, including the Galway Market, which is held every Saturday and Sunday in the city's historic St Nicholas Church. And if you're looking for a more upscale shopping experience, the city also has the Eyre Square Shopping Centre, which has over 70 shops, including department stores, fashion boutiques, and speciality shops.

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